Car experts warn about buying ‘flood’ cars

Members of the auto industry are warning that some cars that were submerged in floodwaters caused by Hurricane Melissa may be 'patched up' and resold to unsuspecting buyers.

Mechanic Anthony Palmer said flood damage wrecks the car's heart - the electrical system.

"Salt water deteriorates the parts quicker than rainwater, and when the electrical component is damaged, sometimes to repair it is basically the same value as the car," he said. Palmer explained that most modern cars are packed with sensors and computers mounted low in the chassis, making them vulnerable even when water only rises partway.

"You have some parts that don't show the damage until after the car starts to drive," he said. "So, when you realise after it start drive, you have to change out a few parts, and some you change and it's okay."

Palmer said repairs typically start around $70,000 and climb, depending on the car and extent of damage. Vehicles that were driven through floodwaters are often the worst off.

"If the vehicle a 'chackle', it takes in air through the engine. If the water goes in, it can't compress it, and that bends internal parts," he said. "Air can compress but water can't."

He warned that drivers who live in flood-prone communities should make plans before the next storm.

"Don't leave the vehicle there," he advised, suggesting that Jamaicans begin thinking about high-rise parking or safer storage options, though such infrastructure remains rare.

Roberto Izza, director of Continental Garage Limited, said vehicles exposed to saltwater are "automatically write-offs".

"I fooled around with water damage once in my life and I'll never do it again," he said, recalling that he bought what looked like a flawless BMW after a flood.

"The car didn't drive, it was water damaged up to the glass. Everything looked perfect until it started making sounds 'bang, bang, bang' and that was just fresh water," he said.

According to Izza, saltwater corrosion destroys metal, wiring, and sensors much faster than fresh water. Even after extensive cleaning and repair, hidden rust can eat away at parts for months.

"You're always going to find complications because these cars are basically rolling computers," he said. "Fresh water better than salt water, but when salt water hits it, you're in big trouble because of the rust."

And for those without comprehensive insurance, the blow is brutal.

"Dog nyam yuh supa if the car is not under insurance," Izza warned. "If it's third-party [insurance], mother nature can't help you. Unless someone hits you, you are liable."

Izza warned that some of these vehicles may later appear on the used car market, their flood history quietly covered up.

"The thing to look out for is water damage, that's the key," Izza cautioned customerss. "Smell is another one, but it depends on if the person selling will tell you it's a flood car." A lit-up dashboard is another red flag.

"If your dashboard lights look like a Christmas tree, then you know you're going to have a problem," Izza said. "There are signs you have to look out for, and it's really difficult. You have to ask the right questions."

"I'm not saying water damage is not repairable, but it's a hit or miss," he added.